We’ve heard a lot of stories about runners who finish FIRST in a marathon, but today we’re about to tell you about the people who finish last.
During each runDisney race, a team of cast members make up a special unit known as the bike patrol. Always positioned at the back of the pack, these magic makers and pace setters help keep a 16-minute mile for all the runners, ensuring the race is completed on schedule so that roads and theme parks can reopen for the day ahead. While the idea of falling behind pace may be intimidating, their goal is clear: to guide and support runners every step of the way, ensuring everyone finishes strong.
As a 25-year runDisney cast member, Christine has helped lead the bike team for over 17 years.
Her team gathers at the stroke of midnight on race day, way before sunrise, ready to cheer on the runners from the start line. They suit up for the day in their safety gear, bright helmets and reflective safety vests, raising their hands for this opportunity to support runners on race weekends, in addition to their daily obligations.
As race time nears, they hop on their bikes and hit the course, never quite knowing what the day will bring. Sometimes they help runners who need help reuniting with their families at the finish area and other times it’s about offering a word of encouragement when someone’s struggling.
“We never really know their complete story—maybe it’s their first race, their last, or maybe they’re running in honor of a loved one, or after recovering from an illness,” said Christine. “Knowing we played a part in helping them accomplish their goal, no matter what it is, is priceless.”
One of Christine’s favorite memories is a truly inspiring runner who participated in runDisney races for years. Despite this, he often fell behind the pace requirement. When the bike team recognized him, they encouraged him all the way to the finish line. He later shared that the strength he gained from runDisney races helped him survive a five-organ transplant. Against all odds, he completed the race!
runDisney events are a one-of-a-kind experience and Christine’s team is front and center assisting runners as they race through Walt Disney World parks. One of the bike team’s favorite moments is being able to see guests cheering on the final finishers, many just completing the race themselves and wearing medals. The energy near the finish line is incredible and gives runners a powerful boost to finish strong.
“I still get giddy riding my bike down Walt Disney World’s Main Street, U.S.A. It never fails, there are always tears as we watch the joy of our runners finishing the race,” said Christine. During Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, she rides over 65 miles between all four races.
This is just one of the many roles that go into supporting a massive runDisney operation. For the full Marathon, around 50 cast members work together to get runners back to their families at the finish line. This includes the bike team, cast members driving vans and buses to help transport guests and a team in the parking lot tent ensuring runners receive their medals and race items.
The bike team is all about helping every runner hit their goals, cross that finish line, and make their dreams come true. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep you moving—whether that’s clearing obstacles out of your way or handing out sweet treats to keep you motivated. They’re right there with you, every step of the way, making sure you get that big finish, complete with a blast of confetti!